Strong season reported; rental fee increases mulled for 2017

August 3, 2016

Written by THE BELLEFONTAINE EXAMINER STAFF

A warm and dry summer has left the Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District in its best financial position since at least 2012 heading into the end of the year, Parks Superintendent Kris Myers said at the Tuesday board meeting.

“At the end of July, parks revenue has already matched what we did in all of 2015,” he said. “Basically, we’ve already met the revenue goal we set for this year and I’m confident we’ll finish out the year within the funds budgeted. We’re matching what we did in 2012 and we could pass that.”

That excludes revenue from the Myeerah Nature Preserve, which Mr. Myers said also had a good year with wedding rentals and other uses.

The cash reserves in the Myeerah fund had dropped to about $1,000 earlier this year after an unplanned water improvement was needed to remain in compliance with environmental standards. Today, that cash balance is back up to $4,700, Mr. Myers reported.

While revenue is strong this year, Mr. Myers suggested now may be the right time to begin considering small rate increases for 2017 facility rental fees.